Huawei WS331a User manual

WS331a 300Mbps Mini Wireless Router
User Guide

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Contents
1 Product Overview
1 Supported Features
2 Appearance
2 Hardware Installation
4 Selecting an Installation Location
4 Connecting Cables
3 Setting Network Parameters
5 Setting the Computer IP Address
8 Connecting to a WLAN
10 Logging In to the Web Management Page
10 Setting Network Access Parameters
12 Configuring Internet Access Scenarios
4 Network Security
14 Improving WLAN Security
17 Controlling Computer Internet Access
19 Filtering Out Inappropriate Websites
20 Controlling Computer Bandwidth
21 Preventing Network Attacks
5 Expanding WLAN Coverage
6 Maintenance Guide
25 Changing the IP Address Used to Log In to the Web Management Page
25 Changing the Login Password
26 Backing Up the Configuration File
27 Restoring Default Settings
29 Upgrading Software
7 Reference Operations
30 Enabling Wireless Configuration on Windows
30 Checking the Computer MAC Address
8 FAQs
33 What Can I Do If I Cannot Open the Web Management Page?

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33 What can I do if I can detect the WLAN of the WS331a but cannot connect to it?
33 What Can I Do If the WS331a Cannot Access the Internet through a Wireless Network
Adapter Sometimes or If the WLAN Connection Is Unsteady?
34 Do I need to set a Wi-Fi connection password after using the security lock?
34 If I change the Wi-Fi connection password, do I need to unlock the security lock before
connecting to my Wi-Fi network?
34 Can others detect my Wi-Fi network after I lock the security lock?
34 I Often Need to Restart the WS331a to Display Web Pages. What Can I Do?
34 I use the WS331a at home most of the time. Do I need to reconfigure it at home after I
use it in the office or hotel?
9 Default Settings
10 For More Help
11 Legal Notice

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1 Product Overview
Supported Features
The WS331a is a compact high-performance wireless router, providing access speeds of up to
300Mbps. With a high-performance steel antenna and Huawei's proprietary WLAN security lock,
WS331a is your ideal choice for business, leisure, and school.
WLAN security lock
Huawei's proprietary WLAN security lock lets you turn on WLAN security mode at the push of a
button. In WLAN security mode, unwanted guests will be kept at bay and your WLAN will be secure.
Automatic network scenario identification
WS331a can identify and switch between different network scenarios, such as a hotel, home, or
dormitory so you can enjoy the perks of a high-speed wireless Internet connection at home or on the
go.
Easy configuration and management
Access the web management page from your computer, smartphone, or tablet to easily configure the
WS331a. You can also install the HUAWEI RuMate app on your smartphone or tablet to manage your
router.
High-Speed Ethernet Connectivity
The WS331a provides WAN ports for Ethernet-enabled devices to access the Internet at high speeds.
WLAN access
The WS331a incorporates a built-in high-performance steel antenna and uses the advanced 802.11n
dual-antenna multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) design, providing wireless access of up to
300Mbps, increasing wireless signal penetration, and significantly reducing dead spots.
Routing
Multiple devices can access the WS331a simultaneously through a dial-up connection, Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP), or a static IP address.
WLAN repeating
The WS331a can work as a wireless repeater, expanding the WLAN coverage.
Bandwidth Control
The WS331a supports bandwidth control and allocates bandwidth to different computers within your
home based on Internet access requirements. Your family can then access the Internet, play online
games, and watch videos without interfering with each other.

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Firewall
The powerful built-in firewall effectively protects against viruses and malicious attacks.
Parental Controls
Parents can control their children's computer usage by placing time limits on usage duration or
forbidding access to certain websites.
Appearance
No. Item Description
1Power
Connects to a power adapter, mobile phone charger, computer,
or portable power bank for power supply.
Make sure the power output of the mobile phone charger,
computer, or power bank is 5 V and 1 A. If the electric current
is less than 1 A, the WS331a may not work properly.
2Reset
Restores the WS331a to its default settings after you press and
hold this button for 2 seconds or more while the WS331a is
powered on.
Caution
A reset will result in all custom data and settings being lost.
Use with caution.
3Network port
Router mode (default): used to connect to a network port your
Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides for Internet access.
Relay mode: used to connect to a computer, set-top box (STB), or
other Ethernet device.
Power Reset
4
5
3
1
2

3
4WLAN security lock
• : The security lock is on. New connections to your WLAN are n
ot allowed.
• : The security lock is off. New connections to your WLAN are
allowed.
5Status indicator
• On: Working properly.
• Blinking: Starting.
• Off: Powered off.

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2 Hardware Installation
Selecting an Installation Location
Place the WS331a on a well-ventilated even surface without exposure to direct sunlight. For the best
possible performance, take note of the following:
• Make sure there are no obstacles, such as concrete or wooden walls, between the computer and
WS331a.
• Ensure that the computer and WS331a are far from electric appliances that generate strong
magnetic or electric fields, such as microwave ovens.
Connecting Cables
Follow the steps in the following figure to connect devices properly.
1
2

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3 Setting Network Parameters
Setting the Computer IP Address
Before logging in to the WS331a web management page, set the IP address of the computer that will
be used for the login.
On Windows 7
1. Click in the lower right corner of your desktop. Choose Open Network and Sharing Center .
2. Choose Change adapter settings . Right-click Wireless Network Connection and choose Properties .
3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .
Not connected
Connections are available
䘔᧛(C)
Open Network and Sharing Center
Wireless Network Connection 3
HUAWEI-XXXXXX
ConnectConnect automatically
Wireless Network Connection
Disable
Status
Diagnose
Bridge Connections
Create Shortcut
Delete
Rename
Properties
Connect/Disconnect

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4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically . Click OK .
On Windows XP
1. Right Click in the lower right corner of your desktop and choose Open Network Connections .
2. Right Click Wireless Network Connection and choose Properties .
Wireless Network Connection Properties
Networking Sharing
OK Cancel
Connect using
Configure...
Install...
Description
Trasmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.The default
wide area network protocol that provides communication
across diverse interconnected networks.
Uninstall Properties
This connection uses the following items:
Huawei 802.11ac Dual Band Wireless Adapter
Client for Microsoft Networks
Flie and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4ε
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O Driver
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Responder
Qos Packet Scheduler
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties
You can ger IP settings assigned automatically if your nerwork supports
this capability.Otherwise,you need to ask your network adminstrator
for the appropriate IP settings.
General Alternate Configuration
Obtain an IP address automatically
Use the following IP address:
IP address:
Subnet mask:
Default gateway:
Obtain DNS sever address automatically
Use the following DNS sever address:
Preferred DNS server:
Alternate DNS server:
Validate settings upon exit Advanced...
OK Cancel
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
16:30

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3. Double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) .
4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically . Click OK .
Wireless Network Connection PropertiesWireless Network Connection Properties
General
Description
Show icon in notification area when connected
Notify me when this connection has limited or no connectivity
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.The default
wide area network protocol that provides communication
across diverse interconnected networks.
Connect using:
This connection uses the following items:
Realtek EAPPkt Protocol
AEGIS Protocol (IEEE 802.1x)v3.7.5.0
,QWHUQHW3URWRFRO7&3,3
Huawei 802.11ac Dual Band Wire Configure...
Install... Uninstall Properties
Advanced
OK Cancel
?
X
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties
You can ger IP settings assigned automatically if your nerwork supports
this capability.Otherwise,you need to ask your network adminstrator
for the appropriate IP settings.
General Alternate Configuration
Obtain an IP address automatically
Use the following IP address:
IP address:
Subnet mask:
Default gateway:
Obtain DNS sever address automatically
Use the following DNS sever address:
Preferred DNS server:
Alternate DNS server:
Advanced...
OK Cancel
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
?
X

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Connecting to a WLAN
Connect your computer to the WS331a's WLAN before logging in to the WS331a web management
page.
Before connecting to the WLAN, set the security lock to so that more devices can be connected to
the WS331a.
Check the WS331a's nameplate for the default WLAN name. By default, the WLAN is
unencrypted.
Windows is used as an example to illustrate how to connect to the WLAN.
On Windows 7
1. Click in the lower right corner of your desktop.
2. From the wireless network list, select the WLAN provided by the WS331a. Click Connect .
3. In the wireless network list, check the WLAN connection status. If the status is Connected , the
computer is wirelessly connected to the WS331a.
15:30
Not connected
Connections are available
䘔᧛(C)
Open Network and Sharing Center
Wireless Network Connection 3
HUAWEI-XXXXXX
ConnectConnect automatically

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On Windows XP
1. Click in the lower right corner of your desktop.
2. From the wireless network list, select the WLAN provided by the WS331a. Click Connect .
3. In the wireless network list, check the WLAN connection status. If the status is Connected , the
computer is wirelessly connected to the WS331a.
After you are connected, set the security lock to . Then other devices will be able to find but not
connect to the WS331a's WLAN.
If you have other devices to connect to the WS331a, repeat the preceding steps.
Currently connected to:
HUAWEI-XXXXXX
HUAWEI-XXXXXX
No Internet access
Open Network and Sharing Center
Wireless Network Connection 3
Connected
16:30
X
Choose a wireless network
Click an item in the list below to connect to a wireless network in range or get more
information.
To connect to this network,click Connect.You might need to enter
additional information.
Security-enabled wireless network(WPA2)
HUAWEI-XXXXXX
Wireless Network Connection
Wireless Network Connection
Connect
Wireless Network Connection
Wireless Network Connection
Connect
X
Choose a wireless network
Click an item in the list below to connect to a wireless network in range or get more
information.
Security-enabled wireless network(WPA2)
Connected
HUAWEI-XXXXXX

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Logging In to the Web Management Page
The WS331a provides an intuitive web management page where you can view or set the WS331a
parameters.
Before you log in to the WS331a web management page, ensure that the computer used for the login
is connected to the WS331a and has been configured to automatically obtain an IP address or
assigned with a static IP address.
1. Open a browser. In the address box, enter 192.168.3.1 or mediarouter.home . Press Enter .
2. Enter the login password (default value: admin ) and click Log in .
Setting Network Access Parameters
You need to configure the WS331a to access the Internet.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Home > Start Wizard .

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3. Set the parameters based on the Internet access scenario recognized by the WS331a (dial-up
Internet access is used as an example). Click
Connect .
4. Click Next to continue configuring the WLAN.
5. In WLAN SSID and WLAN password , enter the WLAN name and password. Then click Finish .

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After the WLAN name or password is changed, the current WLAN network is disconnected. To
reconnect to the WLAN, enter the new WLAN name and password.
Configuring Internet Access Scenarios
You can configure settings for typical Internet access scenarios, such as home, hotel, office, or school.
As the WS331a automatically recognizes Internet access scenarios, after the configuration is set up
once, you can connect directly to the WLAN without reconfiguring anything when you move between
locations.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Internet > Internet Settings > Internet Profiles .

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3. From the Select scenario drop-down list box, select New scenario .
The WS331a has preset the home scenario (PPPoE), hotel scenario (DHCP), and a scenario where
you can manually enter an IP address. You can select these scenarios and modify their settings
if necessary.
4. Select Enable connection so that the WS331a can automatically recognize the Internet access
scenario.
5. In Scenario name , name the scenario you want to add.
6. Select a connection type.
7. Set the parameters based on the selected connection type.
8. Click Save .

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4 Network Security
Improving WLAN Security
Hiding the WLAN Name
After you hide the WLAN name, anyone who wishes to connect to the WLAN must enter the correct
WLAN name. This measure helps improve WLAN security.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Home Network > WLAN Settings > WLAN Encryption .
3. Select Hide broadcast .
4. Click Save .
Changing Your WLAN Name and Password
WLAN access requires a name and password. To improve your WLAN security, regularly change your
WLAN name and password.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Home > Set Up WLAN .

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3. In WLAN SSID , enter a new WLAN name.
4. In WLAN password , enter a new WLAN password.
5. Click Finish .
After the WLAN name and password are changed, you need the new WLAN name and password
to access the WS331a.
Using High Security Encryption Modes
Adopting high security encryption modes protects against unauthorized access as well as data
interception on networks.
To improve WLAN security without sacrificing working efficiency, use WPA-PSK/WPA2–PSK and AES .
This step also prevents WLAN unavailability caused by network adapters' incompatibility with the
selected security mode.

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1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Home Network > WLAN Settings > WLAN Encryption .
3. From the Security mode drop-down list box, select WPA-PSK+WPA2–PSK .
4. From the WPA encryption mode drop-down list box, select AES .
5. In WLAN password , enter the WLAN password.
6. Click Save .
After the WLAN name and password are changed, you need the new WLAN name and password
to access the WS331a.
Allowing Only Specified Computers to Access Your WLAN
The WS331a maintains an Authorized Users List . When the security lock is set to , only users on
the list will have access to the WLAN of the WS331a.
You can add a user to the Authorized Users List using either of the following methods:
• Method one: Unlock the security lock. After the desired user connects to the WLAN, lock the
security lock again.
• Method two: On the WS331a web management page, add the device MAC address of the user you
want to add.
1. Check and record the MAC address of the new user's device.
See "Checking the Computer MAC Address" for the method to find a computer's MAC address.
2. Log in to the web management page.
3. Choose Home Network > WLAN User Management > WLAN Security Settings .

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4. Click New user .
5. In Name , enter the name of the device you want to add.
6. From the Device type drop-down list box, select the device type.
7. In MAC address , enter the device MAC address.
8. Click Save .
The function to allow only specified computers to access your WLAN is valid only when the
security lock is set to . When the security lock is set to , any user can assess the WLAN by
entering the correct password.
Controlling Computer Internet Access
Your WS331a provides MAC address filtering. With this function, you can confine Internet access to
specific computers or deprive specific computers of Internet access. While using this function, you
can also set limits on the duration of Internet usage.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Internet > Internet Services > Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) .
3. Click Enable SNTP .
4. From the Primary NTP server and Secondary NTP server drop-down list boxes, select the NTP server
addresses.
5. From the Local time zone name drop-down list box, select a time zone.